Main content start
Change.每天多學一點 改變.可大可小

Social Sciences Media & Communication

Certificate for Module (Science Communication)
證書 (單元:科學傳信)

CEF Reimbursable Course

CEF Reimbursable Course

Course Code
MC024A
Application Code
2285-MC024A

Credit
6
Study mode
Part-time
Start Date
03 May 2025 (Sat)
Duration
30 hours
Language
English
Course Fee
HK$7,500
Deadline on 03 Apr 2025 (Thu)
Enquiries
2910 7613
2151 0720
How to Apply
Special Announcement:

Please click on the image below to watch a short video clip that explains the concept of science communication.

Highlights

The programme is designed to give students an understanding of the methodologies and issues in engaging the public in science. It aims to explore the role played by culture and media in science communication and discuss ways to deliver content and utilise technology and digital media to facilitate effective communication of science to different audiences.  [We are delighted to have a guest speaker who will share with you some insights on science communication. To learn more about the speaker and the topic, please click on the image on the right hand side.]

QF Level

logo color1

QF Level: 6

QR Registration No.: 20/000705/L6

Validity Period: from 01 Dec 2020 to on-going

Programme features

The programme is ideal for people interested in becoming effective communicators in science organisations (e.g. science parks), governmental innovation or science education units, universities, biotech companies, museums, NGOs, or in the media. Also, it will provide useful training for people working in institutions that deal with science education and public engagement, such as non-profit-making institutions or schools set up to promote science education and research.

 

Programme Details

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to

  1. Explain the theoretical knowledge underpinning science communication practice;
  2. Identify, apply and evaluate science communication strategies for diverse audiences, using a range of means, media, and technologies;
  3. Critically analyse the different aims, contexts and stakeholders involved in how science is communicated and understood, including analyses of the social and ethical responsibilities of science in contemporary societies; and
  4. Develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative research and strategies to investigate, justify and interpret science communication methods and conclusions.

 

Syllabus

  • Nature of scientific knowledge: what being “scientific” means and the established and contested aspects of scientific knowledge and their application in technological advancement
  • Representation of science in popular culture: a discussion of fictional representations of science, medicine and technology in films, television, and comic books and on the impact of such on public perceptions of science
  • Public perceptions and misconceptions about science: examples will be drawn from the media to examine cases of effective science communication as well as misconceptions and manipulations of science, and how to address the needs, expectations and concerns of specific audiences in the communication process
  • Strategies in science communication: how to communicate scientific and public health matters to the public clearly and effectively by having a thorough and practical understanding of the process used in developing a communication plan including the development of a strategic framework and accompanying action plan that allocates resources, responsibilities and time frames
  • Ways to identify the appropriate media, find the right tone and language when engaging the different stakeholders – researchers, practitioners, policymakers, funders, investors, parents, students and young people –in meaningful conversations
  • How to communicate science across disciplines: to understand the effective strategies of communicating science and technology in diverse settings such as PR, law, urban planning, arts, health care and businesses where the target groups of audience’s idea of “science” may carry values, beliefs and expectations that need to be taken into consideration in the approach to use
  • Science communication and outreach: from conceiving ideas, programming, logistic planning, pitching their ideas to secure funding, using storytelling, performing arts, exhibitions in science communication, running events and digital media campaigning, and evaluating the impacts
Application Code 2285-MC024A -

Venue
  • Learning Centres in Admiralty/ North Point/ Causeway Bay

Class Details

To complete the programme, students are required to achieve 80% attendance and pass all the assignment. A Certificate for Module (Science Communication) will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE to those who have successfully completed the programme. 

Teaching Mode

Lecture (24 hours)
Visits to museums and other science or medical-related institutions (6 hours)

Assessment

Oral presentation (50%) + Outreach project (50%)

Fee

Application Fee

HK$150

Course Fee
  • Course Fee : HK$7,500

Entry Requirements

Applicants should

(a)  hold a bachelor’s degree in areas of Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, IT or Business, or equivalent, awarded by a recognised institution;

or

(b)   (i) hold an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma awarded by a recognised institution in the same areas listed in (a);

             and

         (ii) have at least four years of recognised professional experience;

Applicants with either (a) or (b) qualifications awarded by institutions where English is not the medium of instruction should obtain a score of 6.5 in IELTS (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent

Applicants with other qualifications will be considered on individual merit.

CEF

  • The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
CEF Courses
Certificate for Module (Science Communication)
證書 (單元: 科學傳信)
COURSE CODE 40C131300 FEES $7,500 ENQUIRY 2910-7613
Continuing Education Fund Continuing Education Fund
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

Certificate for Module (Science Communication)

  • This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [6])

Apply

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method
Payment Method
1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque Or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:

  • bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
  • or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

4. Online Payment

Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment  for details.

Notes

  • If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.

  • Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment. 

  • In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
  • Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
  • HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
  • For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.